Sangria, the quintessential Spanish beverage, is synonymous with sunshine, relaxation, and good times. Memories of tasting the most exquisite sangria in Barcelona in 2013 still linger, a perfect welcome after a long journey. The vibrant flavors and refreshing coolness were exactly what was needed after navigating bustling train stations and city streets with heavy backpacks. The first thought upon arriving was undeniably “tapas and sangria,” a quest that led to a truly glorious discovery.
There’s an undeniable charm to the Spanish way of life, isn’t there? From leisurely mornings with coffee to afternoon siestas, followed by evenings filled with tapas, wine, and cherished company. And let’s not forget their incredible gift to the world: sangria! This lush, fruity drink is the epitome of refreshment.
The Rich History of Sangria
The story of sangria stretches back over 2,000 years to the Roman Empire’s expansion into the Iberian Peninsula. As they established vineyards, they faced the challenge of unsafe drinking water. Wine, often fortified with spices and herbs, became a safer and more palatable alternative.
While the earliest forms of sangria evolved over centuries, the versions closer to what we enjoy today emerged in England and France during the 1800s. Sangria’s global popularity truly took off after its debut at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Interestingly, despite its strong association with Spain, there isn’t a single “official” sangria recipe within the country. Spaniards themselves often prefer tinto de verano, a simpler wine and soda mix. Sangria, while enjoyed by some locals, is often considered a favorite among tourists.
This recipe aims to bring the authentic taste of traditional red sangria to your home. Through careful tasting and research, a simple, 6-ingredient recipe has been perfected, capturing the essential qualities of a truly great sangria:
- Fruity
- Sweet
- Dry (slightly)
- Lush
- Smooth
- Refreshing
- Boozy
This is more than just a drink; it’s an experience.
While variations abound, traditional sangria typically includes these core elements:
- Fresh Fruit (like oranges and apples)
- Orange Juice
- Sweetener (brown sugar or cane sugar)
- Liquor (brandy or rum)
- Dry, Fruity Spanish Red Wine (Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Rioja)
- Ice (for chilling)
Brandy was chosen for this recipe because its aroma instantly evokes the spirit of sangria. However, rum can be a delightful alternative if preferred.
Making Your Own Traditional Red Sangria: A Step-by-Step Guide
This sangria recipe is set to become your go-to summer refreshment. It’s:
- Simple to make
- Perfectly sweet
- Subtly dry
- Wonderfully fruity
- Delightfully boozy
- Ideal for summer
- Incredibly refreshing
Enjoy this homemade sangria alongside your favorite summer meals. It pairs beautifully with Spanish tapas like patatas bravas, stuffed peppers, veggie burgers, or fresh summer salads.
If you decide to try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating to share your experience with other readers. And feel free to snap a photo and tag it on Instagram with #minimalistbaker! We love seeing your creations. Cheers!
Easy Traditional Red Sangria Recipe
This simple, traditional Red Spanish Sangria recipe uses straightforward methods and just 6 ingredients. It’s the ideal fruity summer beverage, easily adaptable and utterly delicious!
Author: Minimalist Baker
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
Rating: 4.91 from 165 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 (cups)
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired, Vegan
Freezer Friendly: No
Storage: 48 Hours
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium apple, cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 medium orange, rind on, sliced into small pieces, large seeds removed, plus more for garnish
- 3-4 Tbsp organic brown sugar, or 3 Tbsp (37.5 g) organic cane sugar
- 3/4 cup orange juice, plus more to taste
- 1/3 cup brandy, plus more to taste
- 750 ml bottle dry Spanish red wine*
- ~1 cup Ice to chill
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine apples, oranges, and sugar. Muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon for about 45 seconds.
- Add orange juice and brandy. Muddle again for 30 seconds to combine.
- Pour in red wine and stir well. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more brandy, orange juice, or brown sugar to your preference. Stir to incorporate.
- Add ice and stir once more to chill.
- Serve immediately as is, or with additional ice. Garnish with orange segments if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, although it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Video (Link to video would be embedded here if available)
Recipe Notes
*For the red wine, a Spanish red wine like Albero Spanish Red Wine 2014 Monastrell from Trader Joe’s is recommended. Any fruity, full-bodied, somewhat-dry red Spanish wine will work well, such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Rioja.
*Recipe adapted from Jamie Oliver Drinks Tube.
*Nutritional information is an estimate calculated with the lesser amount of brown sugar.
Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4)
- Calories: 268
- Carbohydrates: 21.4 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.02 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Potassium: 393 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14.5 g
- Vitamin A: 146 IU
- Vitamin C: 33 mg
- Calcium: 34 mg
- Iron: 1.1 mg
